Gaza conflict – www.israelhayom.com

Hamas drags feet in negotiations as Israel makes threat

ErezL — Sun, 20 Jul 2025 04:28:20 +0000

Talks under pressure: The Doha negotiations persist despite Hamas stalling on matters debated for almost two weeks. Israeli figures disclosed over the weekend that Hamas is undermining the discussions, as the terror group has refused for days to address the ratios for freeing prisoners in exchange for hostages. Another point of contention where Hamas refuses to move forward is the maps presented by Israel, even after notable concessions. On Thursday at two in the morning, a revised mediators' proposal was submitted to Israel and Hamas, and both are evaluating it to try to spur Hamas and progress the talks. As of now, neither party has stated its position on the proposal.

Saturday marks the 14th day of the Israeli delegation's talks in Doha, but despite Israel agreeing to concessions, it seems Hamas has no interest in finalizing an agreement. Israeli figures also noted that, despite the negotiating team's concessions on the extent of withdrawal, Israel did not consent to pulling back to the March 2, lines. Nonetheless, officials did not dispute agreements on withdrawing from the Morag Axis into the territory the IDF secured in recent weeks. Despite Israel's readiness, the talks face ongoing challenges due to Hamas' refusal and delays, possibly indicating the terror group is prolonging the process. Israel now warns: Time will not play to its advantage.

White House special envoy Steve Witkoff speaks with journalists after a signing ceremony between President Donald Trump and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at the Amiri Diwan in Doha, Qatar, Wednesday, May 14, 2025 (AP/Alex Brandon)

The primary obstacle Hamas poses to the negotiations is the issue of prisoner release ratios, which is hindering a ceasefire. The group persists in avoiding discussions on this matter despite the mediators' dedication to moving the talks forward over the past two weeks and the US backing Israel. In the last week, another Israeli negotiation channel opened in Cairo on humanitarian matters, achieving progress on some issues.

Currently, the Israeli delegation remains in Doha, striving to fully explore the negotiations while maintaining direct, ongoing, and daily communication with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister Ron Dermer. Yet, the results remain uncertain. Israel states that negotiations will proceed only alongside continued fighting in Gaza, which will impose costs on Hamas.

Despite the obstacles, Israel keeps the door open to negotiations and continues making concessions on various matters at the table. Security officials caution that resuming war, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged, after setting up the humanitarian city in 60 days, will claim soldiers' lives in areas reinfiltrated by Hamas.

Details of the known agreement

The known details of the agreement so far: Over 60 days, 10 live hostages will be returned, eight on day one and two on day 50, with Israel releasing life-sentence prisoners in return. Talks to end the war will also start during the ceasefire, with expected pressure from mediators, led by the US, to conclude the war.

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Ministers demand answers after surprise release of Gaza hospital chief

ErezL — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 09:00:14 +0000

A wave of anger swept through Israel's government on Monday as ministers learned of the release of Muhammad Abu Salmiya, the director of Gaza's Al-Shifa Hospital, along with 50 other detainees. The decision, apparently made without cabinet approval, has sparked a heated debate within the government about security protocols and prisoner management during the ongoing conflict.

Video: Al-Shifa director was released on July 1, 2024

The Al-Shifa Hospital, the largest in Gaza, was one of the main terror hubs used by Hamas during and after Oct. 7, and it is where some of the hostages were taken by the terrorists. Israel Hayom recently reported that the IDF was close to carrying out a mission to free hostages from the compound at the start of the conflict, but ultimately the IDF Chief of Staf Herzi Halevi decided not to give a green light for various reasons.

Minister Amichai Chikli demanded answers in the government's WhatsApp group: "Can we get an explanation from Yoav Gallant on why this man is being released? Hostages were murdered in his hospital, and it served as a Hamas command center."

Itamar Ben-Gvir, minister of national security, did not mince words: "It's time for the Shin Bet chief to go. He's acting unilaterally, with Gallant's full backing, bypassing the cabinet and government. He's implementing his own policies and has become an advocate for the detainees in discussions. Sure, they're overcrowded, but is that his concern?"

Minister Orit Strock questioned the legal basis: "I ask in all seriousness: Under what authority was this done?" Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi called for a complete overhaul: "Israel needs new security leadership from the ground up. We need leaders committed to victory and honoring our soldiers' heroism, just like the Prime Minister. The sooner, the better."

The Defense Ministry stated that Minister Gallant was not informed of the decision to release the Shifa director, saying it fell under IDF jurisdiction. Sources close to Gallant acknowledged the anger over the move.

Interior Minister Moshe Arbel later joined the conversation: "Ben-Gvir, I know this isn't the right forum, and everything is leaking, but didn't we approve a budget cut in April to allocate nearly half a billion shekels for new detention facilities that weren't built? Where's your accountability on this?"

Ben-Gvir retorted: "We've added 500 spaces immediately and are building new wings. Yes, it's crowded now, but we don't release detainees just because of overcrowding or tents. Let's stop being overly sympathetic."

Karhi added: "With all due respect, releasing detainees due to 'lack of space' is nothing more than a flimsy excuse."

Benny Gantz, leader of the State Party, also weighed in: "A government that releases those who sheltered the October 7 murderers and helped conceal our hostages has made an operational, moral, and morale–damaging mistake. They're unfit to manage our existential war and should step down. Whoever made this decision lacks judgment and should be fired today. Mr. Prime Ninister, if you close a few government ministries, I'm sure you'll find space and budget for detention facilities. You can't continue to manage a war this way – it's time to set an agreed–upon election date."

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Sara Netanyahu, hostages' mothers appeal to Jill Biden

miriw — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 01:30:01 +0000

In a heartfelt plea for intervention, Sarah Netanyahu, wife of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has joined forces with the mothers of five female Israeli soldiers currently held hostage by Hamas in Gaza. Together, they have sent a letter to US First Lady Jill Biden, seeking her support in securing the release of their daughters.

Mrs. Sara Netanyahu sent a letter to @FLOTUS Jill Biden in which she asked her to work toward the immediate release of the Israeli hostages being held – as a crime against humanity – by Hamas in Gaza. pic.twitter.com/mYkzF0IjwP

— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) November 15, 2023

The letter, which included photographs of the captive soldiers, Agam Berger, Liri Albag, Naama Levy, Karina Ariev, and Daniela Gilboa, was penned more than seven months after Netanyahu's previous correspondence with Biden. "Over seven months have passed since my last letter to you, which was written from one mother to another," Netanyahu wrote. "For these five mothers, who have become my sisters, time has stood still."

The prime minister's wife continued, "You have surely seen the videos, taken by the terrorists themselves when they abducted our girls. The terror in their eyes is palpable. We see them plead for their lives while sitting bound, barefoot, and wounded in blood-covered pajamas, having just witnessed the murder of their friends. It is a horrifying scene that we will never forget. Please join us in demanding that Hamas release these innocent girls immediately and unconditionally. You are best positioned to lead a coalition of women that calls for the girl's freedom."

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